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Lord casteth down the proud, and raiseth them that put their trust in Him.

REVISION.-Who was Haman? How came the Jews in Persia? Who was Esther? Why did Haman hate Mordecai! What did he resolve to do? How did he set about it? What did Mordecai do? What became of Haman? What does this teach us?

April 10.-Deliverance from
Oppression.

JUDGES V. 28: "Why is his chariot so long in coming?"

1. The enemy's defeat.-The Israelites were once sorely distressed by an enemy who lived near them. This King was fierce, and his army strong. He sent against them Sisera, the captain of his host, with nine hundred chariots of iron, and many thousands of soldiers. In great fear," the children of Israel cried unto the Lord." This great trouble had come upon them because they had done evil in His sight; yet He heard their cry, and sent them deliverance. He gave Deborah, the prophetess, wisdom to know what to do. She told Barak to gather the men of war, and to go out and fight against Sisera. He did this, and took his army up to Mount Tabor. Sisera came against him.

It seemed as though Israel could not withstand this mighty army; but the Lord helped His people, and soon Sisera and his host were beaten back before them. Their army was destroyed, so that "there was not a man left." Sisera fled away alone; his mighty men were scattered; and in fear and weariness he came "to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber."

2. The death of Sisera.-Jael took him into her tent, and he lay down, tired with his flight, and fell asleep upon the floor. He had been a great enemy of Israel; for many years he had "mightily oppressed" them. The people had been in terror, their peace destroyed, and he had made war upon them, and would have taken them and their goods for a prey. And now he was brought into the power of this woman; and as this enemy of God's people lay there asleep in her tent, she smote him and slew him.

3. The song of triumph.-When the news of this great victory spread, the people were full of joy. They knew it was by the power of God alone they

had been delivered, and Deborah and Barak sang a song of praise to God for His great mercy. They sang of the fear and danger of the people, and how God had helped them, and they called on all to arise and join them in praising and blessing God. They spoke too of those who would be looking out for the return of Sisera in pride and splendour, and of their wonder that he did not come : 66 Why is his chariot so long in coming ?" and in their triumph over this foe, they remembered that it was the Lord's doing, and they said, "So let all Thine enemies perish, O Lord!" Let all the earth fear the Lord, and put their trust in Him.

REVISION.-Who was Sisera? Why was Israel in trouble? What did they do for Who help? By whom did God help them? led the armies of Israel? Where was the battle fought? What became of Sisera? Where, and by whom, was he slain? How did the Israelites show their gratitude to God?

April 17.-Mourning turned to Joy. LUKE xxiv. 11: "Their words seemed to them as idle tales."

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1. A day of sadness.· After the death of the Lord Jesus, His friends, full of tender love, took down the body from the cross, and sadly and reverently laid it in the tomb. With them were "certain women," who had followed Jesus from far-off Galilee. They looked with sorrowful hearts on the body as it lay there cold in death. When they left the tomb, a "great stone was rolled against the door, and even a guard of soldiers was placed by their enemies, that none of the disciples of Jesus might enter. The next day was the Sabbath, and none went near the tomb. How full of grief that Sabbath was to them! How sad the home is when death has taken away a dear friend, or brother, or loving parent! How lonely and sorrowful they felt without their wise and loving Master. They had thought He would be with them to guide and cheer them for many years. Yet He had been suddenly put to a cruel death, and all hope of seeing Him again was gone! 2. A day of joy.-On the day after the Sabbath, 66 very early in the morning," the women hastened to the sepulchre. What were they going to do there ? Have you ever seen flowers growing, or laid, on a grave?

They are put there by some loving hand as a sign of love and of sorrow for the dear one buried there. With love such as this, these women brought sweet spices, in the manner of their land, to lay upon the body of Jesus. But how could they get into the sepulchre? There were the soldiers; they thought too of the great stone at the door, and they said, as they went, "Who shall roll it away ?" But when they got to the tomb, "they found the stone rolled away," and the door opened. When they went in, the body of Jesus was not there! They knew not what to think of this, and were much distressed, when, behold, two angels, in shining garments, stood by them! Here was another wonder! "They were afraid, and bowed their faces to the earth." But the angels spake kindly to them, and said, "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here. He is risen." O joyful words! Yet how strange! It seemed as though it could not be. Then the angels bade them remember that Jesus Himself had told them of all that should happen; of His death, and His rising again. They now quickly returned to "all the rest" with

3. A message of joy. Yet, when "they told all these things," "their words seemed as idle tales, and they believed them not." They had never before heard such things. How could it be that even Jesus should rise from the dead? Peter ran to the sepulchre to see for himself, and when he saw the empty grave, he went away full of wonder at what had come to pass. After this, Jesus Himself came to the disciples, and told them He was going before them to heaven, and that He would guide and keep them through life, and that, when they died, He would take them to be for ever with Him there. These words of hope and joy are for us also. Does the grave hold any that are dear to you? How glad the hope of meeting them again! We, too, must die and enter the grave as Jesus did. Do you fear to do this? It shall not hold you for ever, for at the last day "them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him."

REVISION.-Why did the women go to the sepulchre? What did they see there? What made them afraid? What did the angels say? What message did they take to the rest? Why

was it not believed? What did Jesus tell his disciples? Why should this be cause of joy to us?

April 24.-The Warning Cry. JONAH iii. 8: "Let them turn every one from his evil way."

After

1. The Prophet's warning. Jonah's wonderful escape from the fish, God told him a second time to go to Nineveh, and preach against it. He did not this time refuse, but went at once "according to the Word of the Lord." We have heard how large and grand a city Nineveh was. As he entered the great gate through the strong walls, the broad and busy streets were before him; there were temples, large and splendid, houses for the rich and noble, and the palace of the great king. He went " a day's journey" into the city, and then, amidst the busy throng, he lifted up his voice, and cried, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown;" and as he went, still he uttered his warning and fearful cry. What would the people think of this? Surely they wondered much at this strange preacher and his terrible message. But God sent it home to their hearts, and it passed from one to another till it reached the ears of the king.

2. A city in mourning.—Great fear fell on all the people as they thought on this sudden and startling cry. But why should this make them afraid? Was not their city large and strong? Had they not walls and gates, and many brave and skilful warriors to fight for them? Why, then, did they fear? Because there was a voice within them which helped the voice of Jonah, -the voice of conscience. They knew that they had sinned, and that they had raised against themselves the fierce wrath of God. This filled them with dread. Sooner or later sin is sure to bring terror to the soul. So the people "believed God," and put on sackcloth, and fasted, from the greatest to the least. This was a sign of their great sorrow. The king arose from his throne," and laid aside his robe, and put away all pomp, and "sat in ashes." He ordered all the people to join him in prayer and fasting; even the herds and the flocks were not to taste food or drink, and all were to "cry mightily unto God," and to "turn from evil,"

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if so be that God would spare their lives and their city, and turn from His great anger towards them.

3. The city spared.-Here was a great change! The work of this busy city ceased, its pleasures were all stopped, the King and the nobles, and men of every rank, all were humble as in the dust. Everywhere were seen the tokens of great sorrow, everywhere was heard the voice of prayer. "God saw their works." He had pity upon their grief. He put away His anger, and He spared that great city, and all who were in it. Here are lessons for us. It tells of repentance. Do we need to repent, and to cry to the Lord? Yes, we have sinned, and Jesus said, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." It tells of mercy. The mercy of the Lord is great "toward them that fear Him." Whoso forsaketh his sins shall find mercy.

REVISION.-Repeat Jonah's cry. Where did he utter it? What did the King and people do? Why did they do this? What did God do? What lessons may we learn from all this?

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May 1.-A Lesson from the Earth. HEBREWS Vi. 8: "Whose end is to be burned."

1. About the earth.-Why did God make the earth? For man to dwell upon it. He made it so as to bring forth herbs for the service of man and beast; trees for their use and comfort; corn and other fruits for food; flowers to give pleasure by the beauty of their form and colour, and the sweetness of their scent. To do all this, He sends rain to water it, and the sun to shine upon it. Men carefully prepare and till the ground, to bring forth what they need, and they store up with care what is good for use. But does all land bring

forth what is good? No, some land is barren, other land brings forth briers and thorns, and what is useless and even hurtful. Will men store this, as they do the fruits of the earth? No, this is cast aside; "its end is to be burned." Learn, then,

2. A lesson from the earth.-Man was made by God. Why was this? That he might serve Him now, and be happy with Him for ever. To enable him to do this, God gives man many blessings, especially His Word to teach him, His Holy Spirit to guide and help him. These are like the sunshine and rain to the earth. But do all men give to God that which they ought? No, some are like the barren soil, bringing forth nothing that is good; many are like the soil which brings forth briers and thorns; their words and their ways are evil, they teach others that which leads them astray. Our lesson gives, about all such,

3. A warning. Their "end is to be burned;" their works shall perish, and, if they repent not, they too "shall be cast into the lake which burneth." In that day God shall try every man's Our words and ways work, as by fire. must then be judged. Do you ever think of this, in your play? at home? in all you do? Will God know and remember all this? It is a blessed thing to know He "will not forget your work," even the smallest which is done to please Him. It is a fearful thing to know He will "not forget" the work which is evil, nor the doers of it.

REVISION.-What different kinds of earth does our lesson speak of? What different sorts of people does this tell of? In what are men like the earth? What will become of evil works? and evil men? What warning does this give us?

THE BIBLE-CLASS.

ANSWER TO SCRIPTURE ENIGMA.-No. XXII.

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SCHOOL BIOGRAPHY.

HUMPHREY GREEN.

HUMPHREY GREEN was born in Salford, May 13th, 1847. At the age of four years he was admitted as a scholar into the Regent street Wesleyan Sundayschool.

From a very early period he was the subject of deep religious impressions. The death of his father, when Humphrey was only twelve years of age, led him to serious concern for his soul. About twelve months later, he was visited by the powerful strivings of the Holy Spirit, and forthwith commenced a regular attendance at the Sabbath - evening services held in the Wesleyan preaching-room. At one of those

services he became convinced of his state as a sinner before God. Mr. Webster, a Local-preacher, occupied the pulpit on that occasion, and, while discoursing on Hebrews ii. 9, the Word reached the heart of the youthful listener, and found a lodgment there. The service having been concluded, Humphrey remained at the prayer meeting, to seek the Lord. He sought diligently. Deeply convinced of sin, he wept sore, and wrestled for forgiveness, often crying in anguish of soul," Will the Lord save me?" Nor did he seek in vain. On that same night, ere leaving that upper room, God spoke peace to his soul, and he returned home, justified by faith in Jesus Christ.

From that period he gave himself fully to the Lord, uniting himself with God's people, in connection with the WesleyanMethodist Society. His religious life was marked by great consistency, and his "conversation was "as becometh the Gospel of Christ." His love for the means of grace was ardent, and in the active duties of the Church he delighted to exercise his powers. To the Sunday-school, where he had been early instructed in Divine things, he ever felt a warm attachment, and cheerfully fulfilled the work allotted to him; first, as a teacher, and then as an absentee-visitor; the latter office he held until within a few months of his death.

His earnest desire for extended usefulness led him to engage in a yet wider

sphere of Christian labour. He sought, by preaching "Christ, and Him crucified," to lead sinners to God. His first attempts at exhortation were in connection with cottage-services, in the Great Bridgewaterstreet Circuit, and on the commencement of similar services in connection with the Regent - road Home - Mission Chapel, he entered on them with a willing heart, and became a successful and valued helper. Subsequently, he offered himself as a Local- preacher, and was received; in which capacity he laboured with acceptance until failing health prevented the prosecution of that work in which his soul delighted. The illness which terminated in his death, commenced in the month of May, 1867. At first, no fears were excited, but hopes entertained that change of air would soon restore him to health. Increasing weakness, and unmistakable signs of rapid consumption showed, however, too apparently, that his days on earth were numbered. The thought of passing away so young, at first filled him with disappointment. He had a desire to live; and when friends kindly reminded him of his extreme weakness, and of the probability of his departure, he would say, "I think I shall get better; I believe the Lord has a work for me to do." When, however, he saw what was the will of the Lord, he yielded himself with exemplary resignation.

On Sunday, August 25th, the Sabbath before his death, a decided change took place, and his end seemed fast approaching. On the following day he was brought down stairs. In the afternoon he called his mother to his side, and said, "Come, near, and let me rest my head upon you." While thus leaning on her, he said, "Mother, serve your God, though it cost you your life; put your trust in God, and He will bless you." On his mother replying, she had often prayed that God would remember her for good, he said, "That's it, mother." And when words of sympathy were offered, he answered, "Rich in faith."

At six o'clock on that day he desired to be carried to his room. His weakness visibly increased. He was calm, and the

patience which had been manifest all through his sickness graced his latest moments. He was never heard to repine.

About ten o'clock he was visited by his Minister. "Well, Humphrey," said the Minister, "You appear to be drawing near to the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, your feet will soon enter there. Is there a cloud to darken your sky?" He replied, "O no!" To the question, "Are your feet still on the Rock, Christ Jesus?" he answered, as well as declining strength would allow, "O yes!" Said the Minister, "You will soon enjoy the blessedness of that Gospel you have so often preached to others." He waved his hand as though

confident in hope. After commending him to God in prayer, the Minister bade him farewell.

From that time until midnight he lay in quiet. About twelve o'clock he regained his voice, and shouted, "Glory, glory! This is pleasure. I never enjoyed anything like this before! O, sinner, if you only saw this! It is beyond comprehension. Hallelujah! hallelujah!" and waving his wasted arm, again shouted, "Glory, glory!" There was then a slight struggle, and, in a few minutes, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, on the morning of August 27th, 1867, in the twenty-first year of his age. J. D.

CORRESPONDENCE.

A District-Inspector of SundaySchools wanted.

To the Editor.

DEAR SIR,-I wish to show that, by adopting the course I am about to suggest, our schools would be richer in results, and more effective in administration. The Rev. John Clulow rightly complains of evils which might be amended and done away with completely. Many country schools are very badly conducted compared with such as are mentioned in his report. Who will say what can be done to remedy this? Can the single visit of the Conference Inspector accomplish this? I trow not: some one near the spot should be ready to help, watch, advise, encourage, and strengthen the hands that hang down. The right man would be a Minister, requested and commissioned by the District-meeting, to work up the District, especially places where there are no schools in connection with chapels. Districts there are in which from thirty-two to sixty-eight chapels have no Sundayschool associated with them. These Societies and congregations must not be expected spontaneously and earnestly to set to work to establish and conduct schools: they ought-all whose hearts are moved by the Spirit of God, to do this work; but do they? Experience shows they do not. But it might be accom

plished by a Minister, a Christian gentleman, whose wisdom, tact, devotedness, spirituality, cheerfulness, and love for the young would eminently fit and qualify him for this grand, useful, and fruitful work.

What would his duties consist of? His work in detail would be to examine libraries, and recommend the disuse and expulsion of objectionable books, and to recommend proper works; giving exemplary addresses to teachers and children; attending quarterly teachers' meetings in each locality; creating interest in and expatiating on the advantages of Circuit-Unions; suggesting amendments where there exist defective rule and administration; arousing the attention of teachers and officers to Scripture promises of conversion and blessing to the young; inciting to, and aiding in, the formation of select-classes; securing, if possible, the retention and comfortable seating of young people in our evening congregation; preaching occasionally on subjects peculiar to his work, &c.

But some one, perhaps, will say, "How, or from what source, will you raise the money to support him?" I would like to suggest that we charge so much to every one hundred scholars in schools already established, to be taken from the annual collection. Other methods might occur to wiser heads than mine.-Yours truly, Castleford. OBADIAH LAYCOCK,

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